Vice President Kamala Harris told congregants at a Philadelphia church Sunday that they have “the power” to decide their future.

“In just nine days we have the power to decide the fate of our nation for generations to come,” Ms. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, said at The Church of Christian Compassion, a Black church in west Philadelphia.

Ms. Harris reminisced about going to church with her sister, Maya, while growing up in California.

“My earliest memories of those teachings are about a loving God who asks us to speak up for those who cannot speak for them,” she said.

When protesters started shouting during her speech, the church’s band started playing. Ms. Harris only acknowledged the outburst by saying, “That’s why we fight for our democracy. Every voice is important. It’s alright.”

Ms. Harris said she sees “a nation determined to turn the page on hatred and division, to chart a new way forward.”

“I see Americans from so-called red states and blue states who are ready to bend the arc of history toward justice,” she said.

She said Americans face the question of what kind of country they want to live in.

“What kind of country do we want for our children and our grandchildren? A country of chaos, fear and hate or a country of freedom, justice and compassion? And the great thing about living in a democracy is we the people have the choice to answer that question,” the vice president said.

Pennsylvania is a key battleground state in the race between Ms. Harris and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. President Biden won the Keystone State in 2020, but Mr. Trump won the state’s electoral votes in 2016.